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Extract of intercepted correspondence sent by Nelson to Lady Hamilton forwarded by Sir William Hamilton to Lord Grenville, 26 February 1800

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This is evidence that Hamilton requested Nelson’s letters to Emma be opened so he could pass on details from them to Lord Grenville, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. This raises a number of interesting issues namely that Nelson’s actions were being monitored, as there was concern in political circles that his personal life was having a negative effect on his professional conduct and duty. Moreover, it is clear from such letters that Hamilton would have been aware of Nelson’s relationship with his wife.